Francis Scott Key penned the "Star-Spangled Banner" 200 years ago, and starting Wednesday, Baltimore will begin celebrating the bicentennial of the national anthem with its Star-Spangled Spectacular.

The Star-Spangled Spectacular will feature more than 30 naval vessels and tall ships from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Germany, Spain and Turkey. The ships began arriving around 8 a.m. Wednesday at historic Fort McHenry, which was key in defending Baltimore from the British during the War of 1812.

Those who want to see the ships at the fort can take a free shuttle from North Locust Point. Those visitors must go through a security screening at Light Street and West Conway Street to board a shuttle. Tourism officials said people can usually stop by any time between noon and 5 p.m.

Among the vessels participating is the USS Oak Hill, which lands aircraft above deck and amphibious vehicles below deck.

"We're like a pickup truck in the ocean," Ensign Carley Tadlock said. "We have a swing gate similar to the tailgate of a truck. (We) lower it down and flood out the back of our ship."

If landing multiple aircraft wasn't enough, the vessel also has a crane fit for a large downtown project. It does the heavy lifting, heaving a boat up and over the Oak Hill's side.

The executive officer, who is a Maryland grad and former Naval Academy instructor, told 11 News the ship is a point of pride, and now they get to show it off.

"When they come aboard this ship and see these sailors and Marines -- and they love to show off, they are very proud -- you see their faces, people who don't see Naval ships very often. Their faces change with how excited they are, and you see their patriotism come out," Cmdr. Scott Bowman said.

"It's not something that anyone else gets to see, so they can appreciate that fact, and people are definitely happy to do it and show off what the Navy can do," Lt. Zachary Dryden said.

More than 40 tall ships and Navy vessels took part in Sailabration in 2012, which commemorated the beginning of the War of 1812.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are also in town for the celebration. The air show will be held between 2-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with many areas in Baltimore offering viewing locations.

The entire state wants to join in on the Star-Spangled Spectacular, including the University of Maryland football team.

The uniforms they'll wear during their game against West Virginia on Saturday are red, black, white and gold, which is traditional Maryland pride for the Terps, but with a twist. The "Star-Spangled Banner" is written on the shoulders, as well as the helmets. There is also an outline of Fort McHenry and an image of the flag.

The uniforms were designed by Baltimore-based Under Armour. A new deal has extended the company's partnership with the university for the next decade.

The Star-Spangled Spectacular runs through Sept. 16. Baltimore City officials expect more than 1 million visitors to attend.